Photo by Water Alternative Photos from Flickr Creative Commons
Amidst opposition at home and abroad in the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the new laws will increase the income of India’s farmers.
Protesters in both the United States and India said selling their crops to private firms instead of state-controlled markets will corporatize their profession and hurt them financially.
Modi, however, says farmers will have a choice of who they sell their crops to and believes in the end, farmers will make more money.
“Even after the government’s efforts if anyone has objections, we are willing to discuss every issue with our heads bowed and with folded hands,” he said in a speech on Friday, according to Bloomberg.
Abu Mathen George, First Secretary in the Embassy, told The American Bazaar the new laws will “double farmer’s incomes and expand the agricultural markets.”
The American Bazaar also reports the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC is distributing an open letter to farmers to clarify any misunderstanding.
“In order to empower the farmer, our government has taken every decision from seed to market for the last 6 years, which will make farming easier for farmers, reduce difficulties and increase their profits.” India’s agriculture minister, Narendra Singh Tomar wrote in the letter.
“Our government is committed to the farmers both by intention and policy.”
Farmers have been camping outside New Delhi since Nov 26 demanding repeal of the three laws.
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